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Invasive insect known to kill trees spotted in Ga.

Associated Press – updated Wednesday, August 14, 2013 - 9:50pm

DECATUR, Ga. (AP) — Georgia Department of Natural Resources officials say an invasive insect that's killed millions of trees in 20 states has been found in Georgia.

Officials said Tuesday that the Georgia Invasive Species Task Force is working to block the spread of emerald ash borer beetles, which were trapped during routine monitoring last month in DeKalb County.

Georgia Forestry Commission Director Robert Farris says forestry specialists have been monitoring the spread of the insect for decades. State Department of Natural Resources officials say this marks the first time the insect has been spotted in Georgia.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black says the beetle's larvae live underneath the bark of ash firewood and they usually hitch rides from place to place when people unwittingly move infested wood between counties.

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